NAEYC’s readers are a diverse group. Many are classroom teachers, administrators, specialists, families, and others who are interested in the practice of caring for and educating young children. Others are university faculty members, trainers, and college students interested in the research and pedagogy of early childhood education.

Readers look to NAEYC for professional publications that reflect the best current knowledge in the early childhood field and support the principles and practices that NAEYC advocates—developmentally appropriate practice, in particular, as well as the Standards that NAEYC has set in the accrediting of child care programs.

We consider book-length manuscripts, as well as shorter material that would be more appropriate as an article, a booklet, or even a brochure.

We are interested in projects that draw from early childhood theory and research, as well as from hands-on experience, to offer essential principles, fresh perspectives, and practical suggestions for improving practice in classrooms and child care settings. Publications that establish a substantial research and theoretical base for improved practice often become valued resources in professional libraries.

Early childhood topics of interest to NAEYC’s readers include (but are not limited to):

accreditation

infant/toddler

the arts

preschool

assessment

kindergarten/primary

careers

language/literacy

curriculum/teaching

math/science/technology

developmentally appropriate practice

play

diversity/equity

professional development/leadership/advocacy

family child care

relationships with families

guidance/self-control

social/emotional development

health/safety/physical development

violence/stress

inclusion

indoor and outdoor environments

For our books, booklets, brochures, our practitioner-oriented journal, Young Children, and our magazine for preschool teachers, Teaching Young Children, we look for a writing style that is clear, direct, and economical; language/vocabulary that is accessible to readers at a variety of levels; and enlivening elements such as real-life vignettes, case studies, examples, boxes, lists, artwork/photography, and samples of children’s work. Our scholarly journal, Early Childhood Research Quarterly, expects a more formal style and traditional scholarly format.

Publishing with NAEYC is a great opportunity to share your ideas across the country and around the world with people who, like you, want to help young children to learn and grow. NAEYC’s published authors receive wide professional recognition for having made a significant contribution to the study and practice of early childhood education. Some of the things that our authors say they especially appreciate are the chance to interact with national experts in the early childhood field and the quality and thoroughness of our feedback and editing.

An NAEYC author receives complimentary copies of the book, booklet, or journal; and book authors may purchase additional copies at a special discount. To fulfill our mission of making high-quality professional resources available inexpensively, NAEYC must keep its costs low, so we do not pay author royalties or writing fees.

I have an idea or manuscript I think NAEYC might be interested in. What do I do?

A good first step is to familiarize yourself with the kinds of material NAEYC has already published by browsing our catalog or web site, visiting your local college library or bookstore, or purchasing copies of our existing titles and back issues of our journals. Then read the pertinent NAEYC author guidelines for the specific publication you are interested in.